TITLE
Title
BUDGET AMENDMENT AND CAPITAL PROJECT ADOPTION: LEGAL SUPPORT CENTER
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Judge Teresa Vincent
Commissioner Frankie T. Jones, Jr.
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BACKGROUND
Background
After visiting the Wake County Legal Support Center, Guilford County Commissioner Frankie Jones and Chief District Court Judge Teresa Vincent have led efforts to create a Legal Support Center here in Guilford County. Legal Support Centers serve as resource hubs for self-represented litigants. These centers offer navigators who share information on how the court system works, provide access to and support with completing legal paperwork, and offer referrals to legal assistance and other agencies that can assist these litigants with their cases.
During their January 18, 2024 work session, the Board learned of the benefits of starting a legal support center in Guilford County, which include providing guidance on legal questions without giving legal advice and assisting self-represented litigants with completing legal documents prior to filing, which allows self-represented litigants to be better prepared and to reduce delays in hearings due to inadequate filings.
The Board of Commissioners directed staff to explore the possibility of Legal Support Centers for Guilford County. Staff identified potential locations for Legal Support Centers in both High Point and Greensboro, and held meetings with various community partners on operational strategy. The budget amendment and capital project request includes funding to assist with space and facility needs, as well as operational support.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
General Fund
Authorize transfers from General Government to the County Building Construction Fund in the amount of $274,000.
ARPA Enabled Fund
$270,000 increase in appropriation to Legal Support Center
$270,000 increase in Appropriated Fund Balance
County Building Construction Fund
Legal Support Center Capital Improvements
$274,000 appropriation to Capital Project
$274,000 in Transfers from Other Funds (General Fund)
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Amend the ARPA Enabled Fund to increase the appropriation to Legal Support Center by $270,000 and increase Appropriated Fund Balance in the ARPA Enabled Fund by $270,000. Adopt capital project ordinance for Legal Support Center Capital Improvements in the amount of $274,000 with $274,000 in Transfers from Other Funds (General Fund). Authorizes staff to take any and all necessary actions including but not limited to execution of necessary contracts and any necessary budget or fund transfers/amendments to launch the project.
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